Belmopan Council Orders Removal of Guatemalan Flag Amid Tensions

The Belmopan City Council has ordered the removal of the Guatemalan flag from the Sir George Brown Field.  The field, which is customarily decorated for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and national holidays, was dressed this September with the flags of neighboring countries that also celebrate independence in the month. However, the presence of the Guatemalan flag drew criticism from some residents, who felt it was inappropriate given the recent incidents at the Sarstoon and the incursions by the Guatemalan Navy.  Mayor Pablo Cawich confirmed the decision whilst explaining that he was a bit conflicted in the process.

Pablo Cawich, Mayor of Belmopan City: “All my speeches have always been about unity and collaboration. I do believe that we should try to collaborate and work along with Guatemalans. The Guatemalan people themselves have no I will say fault for lack of a better word in the noise that is being created, it is something more along the lines of the administration and the instructions that are passed on to the military but I believe that we as Belizeans have always been a peaceful nation.”

The other flags of Central American countries remain on display on the field.